. . . Loss and Grief . . .

If there is one thing certain in life, it is change. One of the most impactful types of change comes from loss. Loss can be the result of the death of a loved one; divorce, separation, or the ending of any other significant relationship; job loss; changes in physical or mental abilities; children leaving the home; the death of a pet; as well as any other major life change.

With loss comes the grieving process, which is natural, necessary, and sometimes overwhelming. To add to the difficulty, our society often communicates that grief should be a quick event, to be taken care of amidst the logistical aspects of dealing with a loss, such as planning a funeral, filing paperwork, or dealing with the courts. The message may be to get through it quickly, and don’t share your experiences with others because they are too painful and uncomfortable to hear.

Though grief at times can be postponed, even for years, eventually each person will be required to face his or her grief. While this can be done alone, it can be very helpful to have someone to share in this process. Although the pain may not completely dissipate depending on the magnitude of the loss, sharing your experiences and emotions with someone who can hold this space for you will allow for the healing process to begin.